Mi-gyaung

Unknown

late 19th century · Wood, gold leaf · Musical Instruments

In the ninth century, several Burmese musicians were sent to the Tang-dynasty court in China. Among the instruments they presented to the emperor were the saùng-gauk (harp), klene (mouth organ), and mi-gyaung, all chamber instruments. Mi-gyaung means " crocodile-zither" in Burmese. Similar box zithers exist throughout Southeast Asia and, although the shape is not maintained, the reptilian name persists as chakhe in Thailand or kacapi in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Wood, gold leaf

Culture

Burmese

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889